Tragedy of the commons and the neglect of science: planning and management in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Marshall, D.G. and Moore, S.A.
(2000)
Tragedy of the commons and the neglect of science: planning and management in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 17
(2).
pp. 126-137.

Abstract

This article considers the role of science, politics and the community in developing management plans for the Shark Bay World Heritage Area in Western Australia. It demonstrates that after more than a decade of planning, including the declaration of a marine park in the World Heritage Area, property rights under multiple use management have not changed in any significant way and the status quo in regard to resource extraction remains. The article argues that planning was driven at critical stages by resource extraction priorities of the community and the government. This approach combined with a neglect of science has resulted in ecologically unsustainable practices and a tragedy of the commons inside the World Heritage Area.